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Networking in Extreme Conditions?

Posted by Cliff on from the this-article-will-self-destruct-in-5-seconds dept.

222 asks: "Mission: Create an intermediate distribution frame. Difficulty: A few feet away, industrial equipment will be generating roughly 2000 degree heat. Bonus: Keep the network switches inside the IDF from melting. Does anyone have experience in making IT work in such extreme conditions? Is there an enclosure in existence that can handle this type of abuse? This is essentially what I've been asked to accomplish, and now I'm asking my fellow readers for help: Can it be done?"

2 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. Consultant? by pdbaby · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Cisco make some pretty hard-wearing equipment, but I'm not sure they make anything capable of withstanding 2000 degree heat. Perhaps you should be talking to a consultant that specialises in industrial and extreme condition networking instead of slashdot?

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  2. I endorse this product, service or comment by adamkennedy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The parent summed up the entire scenario for you perfectly.

    I trained as a mechanical engineer, and I work now in IT.

    Once you get into an industrial environment, recognise you don't know what you are doing.

    The site engineers should be quite happy for you to outline the locations and temperature range you need, and work out a solution to that problem. Be specific about the scope of your situation and don't try to solve the problem for them.

    And if you have to, work back up the chain a bit and see if they have alternate paths to send the cable, maybe that will help... The fibre is possibly a necesity too. I'm finishing up an airport project ATM, and everything that is important that needs to travel distances goes by fibre.

    Just remember, YOU'RE the clueless client now. Be clear and specific with exactly what you need achieved, and they should be able to help. :)